A reliable source informed me late this afternoon that Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) just signed onto The Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010 (S 3065), Sen. Lieberman’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) repeal bill. With today’s addition of Sen. Murray, the bill now has 29 co-sponsors. The news is still too fresh to be reflected in Sen Murray’s official bill co-sponsorship list.

Anyone who has had the pleasure to meet Mr. Pitchford, knows he is one of the most enthusiastic people on the planet. Tonight’s enthusiasm reached a new level –and for good reason. Equal Rights Washington and Thomas Pitchford likely had a role in the Senator’s decision to co-sign the bill.

Thomas was nearly leaping from the floor as he recounted his week in Washington DC as summarized by Lurleen in Pam’s House Blend:

Last Thursday Thomas Pitchford, ERW’s development director was in Washington, D.C. meeting with Senator Murray and her Legislative Director, Evan Schatz to talk about Washington’s Institute for a Democratic Future. IDF “develops and promotes emerging generations of Democratic and civic leaders in Washington state”.

After the meeting Pitchford recognized that he had a golden opportunity for a brief discussion with Mr. Schatz about how important Sen. Murray’s timely co-sponsorship of S 3065 was to Washington’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Indeed, there has been some question in Washington about when Sen. Murray would sign onto the bill, since she has been so supportive of military personnel and LGBT issues in past and the clock is ticking. Pitchford articulated our community’s concerns.

It can’t be overemphasized how valuable are one-on-one conversations like Pitchford and Schatz’s. Legislators don’t always know what the priorities of the voters are unless the voters speak up. Pitchford spoke up.

Pitchford’s conversation was followed up by an e-mail blast from Equal Rights Washington, whose very active statewide list was asked to call the Senator’s office yesterday and today in cooperation with the Veterans Lobby Day in Washington D.C.

Given ERW’s coordinated efforts with Veterans Lobby Day and the overwhelming response of ERW’s members, one can’t but wonder whether ERW wasn’t a driving factor in Sen. Murray’s decision to sign onto the bill today.

I don’t have to wonder. It is abundantly clear. When we work together as a community to lobby our representatives in mass, we can make an impact. Great job Thomas. Thank you Equal Rights Washington!